Crossword Genius

Take off after quietly consuming fruit in a tidy manner (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shipshape

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tidy manner' is the definition.
'shipshape' can be an answer for 'tidy' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'manner' bit.

'take off after quietly consuming fruit' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'quietly' could be 'sh' and 'sh' is found within the answer.
'take off' could be 'ape' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ape' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shipshape that I've seen before include "In good order, like well-dressed sailor?" , "Neat and tidy" , "Ordered" , "Exhibiting neatness" , "Hash pipes may be in good order - like sailor?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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